CII Industrial Relations & Workforce Participation Conference

The CII Industrial Relations conference took place at Sovereign Hall, Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. On Monday, 28th September 2026, CII and EFI organized the National Conference on Industrial Relations & Labour and Awards 2026. The central theme was “Reengineering Industrial Relations & Workforce Participation in the AI Age”. Shaping the Future of Work: The theme focuses on creating future-ready workplaces by leveraging AI and technology while strengthening industrial relations, enhancing workforce participation, and driving sustainable productivity through collaboration and innovation.

EFI Source : EFI IR Conference Brochure

The conference deliberated on re-engineering industrial relations and workplace participation in the AI age. Organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Employers’ Federation of India (EFI). A report titled “Employer’s Guide Under New Labour Codes Framework: Fixed-Term Employment in India” was launched by the Union Minister, Dr. Mamdaviya during the inaugural session.

TL;DR Highlights

The conference started with the Inaugural address by Hon’ble Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and graced by MDs, CEOs from QuessCorp, Hero MotoCorp and ILO. It was followed by the launch of the report on “Employer’s Guide Under New Labour Codes Framework: Fixed Term Employment in India”. The first session deep-dived into the PM-VBRY through an industry interaction on labour codes. The panel had representation from Quess Corp, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Tata AutoComp Systems and Samtel Avionics. The Fireside Chat post lunch was based on Interaction with Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). Dr Madhu Damodaran and Mr. Ramesh Krishnamurthi, the Central Provident Fund Commissioner shared perspectives on social security, operational challenges and improving ease of compliance. Session 2 saw interaction on “Building India’s Employment Ecosystem: Driving Growth and Competitiveness”. The panelists belonged to organizations like JK Cement, TVS Motors, Zepto, Persistent Systems, headed by Dr, Chandra Bhushan, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI. The 3rd and the last Session was titled “The Global Workforce: Preparing for the Next Decade”. It had representation from Embassy of Germany, Embassy of Finland, RPG Group and YuWaah UNICEF. CII Industrial Relations Conference concluded with the EFI-CII National Awards on Excellence in Employee Relations.

CII Industrial Relations: Inaugural Session

10:00 am

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India

Inaugurated the conference. He served in several ministries for 12 years. His father was a farmer.

Dr. Mandaviya emphasised the need to evolve India’s labour and social security ecosystem in tandem with changing times and emerging economic realities. He stressed on the need to equip India’s youth with new-age skills in AI, automation, and robotics. He drew attention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address and vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 wherein one crore youth would be trained in AI skills over the next one year.

Source: PIB

The Union Minister underlined the expansion of India’s social security coverage over the past decade, rising from 19% of the population in 2015 to cover 101 crore people, or 68% of the population as on date, as recognised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). He said tax should be like how honeybee extracts honey from flowers without making it wilt. “Phool bhi nahi murjhaaye”, according to Arthashastra.

At the CII Industrial Relations conference, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the Ministry of Labour & Employment is launching a mega awareness campaign on the Labour Codes titled “Shram Samvad” with effect from today (28th September 2026). Under Shram Samvad, industrial clusters across 316 districts in all 36 States and Union Territories will be covered over the next 90 days. “Wherever there is Samvaad, there is Samadhan”, he said.

Highlighting India’s high GDP growth of 7.8%, Dr. Mandaviya elaborated on the Government’s comprehensive economic policies that have enabled the country to sustain a robust growth trajectory. He noted that India’s strong economic growth in recent years has been accompanied by rising employment opportunities, with every 1% growth in the economy translating into 1.11% employment growth during 2017–23, compared to just 0.008% earlier.

Puneet Kaura

Chairman, CII Northern Region. MD & CEO, Samtel Avionics Ltd

Presented the Vote of Thanks to the Honorable Minister.

Harshavardhan Chitale

Co-Chairman, CII National Committee on Industrial Relations & Labour. CEO Hero MotoCorp Ltd.

India is a global employment hub. To address the labour reforms agenda aolng with labour codes. PM rojgar Yojana for workspace safety. Responsible business conduct, for international mobility. ESIC compliance for Shram Samvad and global competitiveness.

Mr Oktavianto Pasaribu

Deputy Director and Senior Advisor for Regional Partnership Development and Resource Mobilization, International Labour Organization (ILO)

He has a long relation with EFI. Technology must remain human-centric. Workforce participation must have a practical perspective. AI cannot manufacture trust – it only comes from people.

CII Industrial Relations: Industry Interaction

11:00 – 13:00 Hrs

Industry Interaction on Labour Codes & PM-VBRY: Way Forward

Moderated by: Mr. Lohit Bhatia, Chairman, CII National Committee on Education to Employment & Enterprise and Industrial Training; and Executive Director and Group CEO, Quess Corp Limited

Shared services have gained prominence. More than 2,500 GCCs are now operating in India. Labor Code implementation will be required. It will also support livelihood creation for more than 1 Crore individuals in new-age industries.

Special Address by: Mr. Raghuraj MR, Secretary, Labour Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh

The government initiated a de-regulation task force that led to ease of doing business. Intimation based regulation of employer-employee relationship. We floated a 10-point QnA to ensure compliance. Since more employees are voters, the state also generally intervenes in favour of employees.

Special Address by: Dr. Mahendra Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India

He emphasized universal social security coverage for all workers and universal minimum wage. All sectors must provide coverage to OSH. There should be flexibility in labour laws. There should be a single regulator and single licences. New guidelines were rolled out on 8th September 2026. There is 90% enforcement in states. 10 states have already finalized. Focus is now shifting on Capacity Building and from “Inspector” to “Facilitator”.

Presentation by: RG Meena, Advisor; Former Dy. CLC, Govt of India

Key compliances for employers:

• Section 17, Section 43, Section 50, 3, 5, 6, 10, (applicable to 10+ employees)
• Central Rule 17 – Sections 7, 11, 12, 22 (Safety Officers)
• Sections 23 & 24 for HR
• Sections 31, 33, 43 for Mandatory Welfare Facilities.
• Sections 53, 74, 79, 82, 88,119
• Industrial Relations Code 2020 – 62, 63, 73; ICF Compliance in 30 days
• Grievance Redressal – Sections 54,28, 100

Employer’s Guide Under New Labour Codes Framework: Fixed-Term Employment in India

The new Labour Codes in India have introduced a clear definition and framework for fixed-term employment, which is now recognized across all sectors. It includes the reforms introduced under the new labour codes.

Full Report titled “Compliance Handbook for Employers Under the Four Labour Codes” available on Ministry Website: https://www.labour.gov.in/static/uploads

Here are the key points for employers to consider:

1. Direct Employment – Fixed-term employees must be hired directly by the employer, with no middleman or staffing agency involved.
2. Statutory Benefits – Fixed-term employees are entitled to the same wages, hours, allowances, and statutory benefits as permanent employees, applied in proportion to their service period.
3. Pro-Rata Gratuity – Fixed-term employees are entitled to gratuity after one year of service, rather than the five years required for permanent employees.
4. Contractual End Date – The end of a fixed-term contract is not treated as retrenchment. However, early termination may be treated as retrenchment.
5. Compliance Policies – Employers must have a formal HR policy governing fixed-term employment, including details on notice periods, early termination, and the reason for the fixed-term nature of the role.

The continued Industry Interaction on Labour Codes & PM-VBRY saw closing remarks from Mr. Lohit Bhatia (Quess Corp) and from Mr. Sudipta Marjit, Member, Executive Committee, EFI; Mr. Marjit also serves as Group CHRO & Head Business Excellence at TATA AutoComp Systems Ltd. He shared that in AutoComp, 50% shopfloor employees are women. His organization has been a big beneficiary of the PMVBRY. They are offering Rs. 15,000/- minimum monthly salary for young diploma holders who start jobs and are also given better facilities.

CII Industrial Relations: Fireside Chat

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm

Interaction with Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO)

As India’s Social Security Framework continues to evolve, employers are seeking greater clarity on emerging policies, schemes, digital initiatives and compliance requirements. This interactive fireside chat provided a platform for an open dialogue with EPFO. Enabling participants to discuss key issues relating to policy implementation, service delivery, and the evolving social security system. The session facilitated a constructive exchange of perspectives on current priorities, operational challenges, and the way forward for strengthening social security and improving ease of compliance.

Moderator: Mr. Madhu Damodaran, Member, Executive Committee, EFI; Central Board of Trustees (CBT), EPFO and Partner, Singhania & Partners (LLP)

Mr. Damodaran highlighted few key problems such as employees exiting and joining afresh at a new workplace with a new PF ID. However, they need to keep the PF corpus locked in for sufficiently longer time so that the sum and interest earned on it increases. The government has initiated EPF Scheme 2026, Vishwas Scheme, Amnesty Scheme. They also asked for response from Industry and to collaborate in advance in order to avoid disputes and litigation with employers.

Speaker: Mr. Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Central Provident Fund Commissioner, EPFO, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Govt of India

Employee Enrolment Scheme suggests that from 2009 only employer contribution has to be placed. PM-VBRY suggests to keep EPF balance for emergency needs only.

CII Industrial Relations: Audience QnA

Audience members asked questions related to e-shram card, and NGOs’ role in convincing employees to retain EPFO savings and fund. It had to be noted that Interest on EPF is taxable. There is only a 2.5 L exemption on tax and rebates. Hence, discussion is also required with Income Tax Department. Each employer has instituted Trusts to settle these matters with the Provident Fund.

CII Industrial Relations: Session 2

14:30 – 15:15 Hrs

Building India’s Employment Ecosystem: Driving Growth and Competitiveness

India’s aspiration to become a global economic powerhouse depends not only on sustained economic growth, but also on the creation of quality, productive and inclusive employment opportunities. Achieving this requires a robust employment ecosystem where government, industry, academia, skilling instructions and labour market intermediaries work together to bridge skill gaps, improve workforce participation, enhance employability, and accelerate formal job creation.

This session explored how a coordinated employment ecosystem can strengthen India’s competitiveness by enabling businesses to access skilled talent, supporting labour market flexibility. It fosters innovation and creates pathways for sustainable employment. This discussion examined the role of employment policies, skilling initiatives, digital employment services, industry partnerships, and emerging workforce trends. IT is crucial for building a resilient labour market that supports both enterprise growth and India’s vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047.

The session Moderated by Mr. Madhav Singhania, Chairman, CII National Committee on Skill Development and Future Skills. He also the Joint Managing Director & CEO of JK Cement Limited.

Special address by: Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India

Dr. Kumar spoke about the demographic dividend and the need to change the outlook from “dispute” to “relations” between Industry and Workforce. The Government has to work as an active facilitator. Only 10-20% of the workforce is enrolled in the formal sector. HE talked about the National Career Service Portal where 60 lakh employers have posted job requirements across India. He also talked about the modular employable skill initiative, as former Director of Education in the Delhi Government. The Skill Ministry is also carrying out occupation classification for global mobility of talent. He spoke about how young IAS officers are imparted 48 months of structured training (at LBSNAA) before a posting.

Speaker: Mr. Rajiv Naithani, Member CII National Committee on IR & Labour; Chief Human Resources Officer, Persistent Systems Limited.

Mr. Naithani spoke about the “Grey Rhino Syndrome” which is the belief that a rhino will hit others in the forest but not me. And that this is how organizations have extreme reactions to AI adoption. He also talked about “MES”, which is the manufacturing execution system/ Persistent deployed MES in making Dual-shift Transmission gear boxes. The team was digitally equipped and also used the Predictive maintenance system.

When it comes to integrating AI agents in the workforce, Mr. Naithani spoke about the need to have CHARO and not just CHRO. Here CHARO stands for Chief of Human and Agent Resource Officer. He highlighted the 3-4 major shifts needed in the workplace:

1. Shift from “knowledge” to learning velocity
2. Demonstrated capability of having worked in a role, rather than just skills or qualifications.
3. AI leveraged roles in all areas like Sales, Consulting, Strategy, Marketing, and the ability to combine domain special roles.

Other Speakers in the segment were Ms. Sneha Arora; Member, CII National Committee on IR & Labour; Chief Human Resources Officer, Zepto Ltd., and Ms. Madhuri Mehta, Member, CII National Committee on IR & Labour; Chief Human Resources Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd. Ms. Mehta had joined the manufacturing sector in 2007 and has played an active role shaping work environment at Hero MotoCorp.

CII Industrial Relations: Session 3

15:30 – 16:30 Hrs

The Global Workforce: Preparing for the Next Decade

The world of work is being reshaped by rapid technological advancement, demographic shifts, evolving workforce aspirations, and changing business models. As these forces redefine the future of employment, organizations must re-think how work is designed, careers are built, skills are developed and technology is integrated into the workplace.

The session brought together perspectives from global employers’ organizations. It also explores how businesses can reinvent their workforce strategies, foster lifelong learning, leverage AI and digital technologies responsibly. The session also talked about how these measures could lead to organizational transformation to build resilient, future-ready enterprises.

The session was moderated by Mr. Abhimanyu Sharaff, Managing Director, Vikas Group.

He stressed upon workplace readiness and movement of talents across borders.

Speaker: Dr. Simon Preker, first Secretary, Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany, New Delhi

Dr. Simon Preker spoke about lifelong learning, i.e., to learn how to study; adaptability – to be able to switch careers and skill sets and to position oneself with regards to international mobility. Unlike in India, vocational education is common in Germany and can be a safer path to entrepreneurship than college. He has been part of bilateral consultations on talent mobility and spoke about how German language is important for remote locations where “mittelstand” may be located.

Speaker: Dr. Ravi Peiris, Senior Specialist on Employers’ Activities, International Labour Organization (ILO)

There are 5 important shifts happening in the workplace:

1. AI and Technology
2. Workforce becoming more diverse across ages
3. Employment Relationship – Coexist with new ways and old ways of working
4. India has a particular opportunity to become globally competitive
5. Social Security coverage and job quality

For workers, there must be flexibility, choice and protection.

Speaker: Dr. Liisa Toivonen, Counsellor, Embassy of Finland, New Delhi

Dr. Liisa shared 4 lessons from Finland:

1. Different talents exist everywhere and there is an opportunity to develop it
2. The sector has been made interesting for young talent
3. Experts in all sectors are working on peace and innovation
4. “What a person can become tomorrow”

We have to make learning a continuous part of everyday work. Even micro-learning. Cross-functional teams need to collaborate more closely at intersection of disciplines. Create a culture which rewards learning.

Speaker: Mr. Subir Verma, Member, Executive Committee, EFI; Executive Director and CHRO – Power Business, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group.

He worked in sectors like mining and power distribution. At the CII Industrial Relations Conference, Mr. Verma spoke about the need for employee engagement, trust, and workforce participation. He urged to consider questions like:

• What does a company exist for?
• What is the backbone or core of the business?
• Who are the employees? Give them options, let them choose.
• Work oncompetencies, assessments

There is a need to focus on the skills to build – how to learn new skills? ILO is suggesting how to anticipate skills rather than makeup for skillshortages.

Speaker: Mr. Abhishek Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, YuWaah, UNICEF

EFI–CII National Awards on Excellence in Employee Relations

The day-long conference concluded with the EFI–CII National Awards on Excellence in Employee Relations 2026. The awards were presided over by Chief Guest Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Hon’ble MoS, Ministry of Labour and Employment and MSME, GoI; Mr. Rajeev Dubey, Past President EFI, Former Member, Governing Body, ILO Geneva; Mr. Vrijesh Upadhyay, Chairperson, Governing Body, DTN Board for Workers Education and Development; Mr. Sriniwas CR, Member, Executive Committee, EFI and CHRO Tata Chemicals Ltd.

Mr. Rajeev Dubey spoke about factoring geopolitics and geoeconomics, hyper-connectedness. He asked pertinent questions like whether we are creating trusted partnerships? A mindset for continuous learning. To think of a non-permanent workforce and climate change. The workforce must be “fair and inclusive”.

The world of work is being re-shaped by rapid technological advancement, demographic shifts, evolving workforce aspirations and changing business models. as these forces redefine the future of employment, organizations must rethink how work is designed, careers are built, skills are developed and technology is integrated into the workplace. Bringing together perspectives from global employers’ organizations, this session will explore how businesses can reinvent their workforce strategies, foster lifelong learning, leverage AI and digital technologies responsibly, and lead organizational transformation to build resilient, future-ready enterprises.

What is EFI

The Employers’ Federation of India (EFI), established in 1933, is a leading employers’ organization representing industry on labour, employment, and industrial relations matters. EFI supports organizations through policy advocacy, legal advisory, training, and capacity-building while promoting harmonious employer–employee relations.

What is CII

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is a premier industry-led, not-for-profit organization with over 130 years of service. CII works closely with industry and government to enhance competitiveness, promote sustainable growth, influence policy, and support businesses through networking, research, and capacity building initiatives.